There was an element of surprise that greeted Liverpool’s decision to part company with Matt Beard last month during the WSL’s international break. But under interim boss, Amber Whiteley, the Reds are enjoying a new manager bounce.
Winning 1-0 away at Crystal Palace in her first match, Liverpool clinched a surprise yet deserving 1-0 win away at Arsenal last weekend in the FA Women’s Cup. Now reigning WSL champions and current leaders Chelsea stand in their way of a first final appearance since 1996.
It won’t be an easy task for Whiteley’s side. But having stepped up from her role as assistant manager, she could help the Reds make history before then as Liverpool look to continue riding the wave under her leadership.
READ MORE: Liverpool release statement as sexually inappropriate comments allegation made after FA Cup clash
READ MORE: Liverpool staff prove invaluable as managerial contender makes intentions clear
They host Manchester United at Anfield on Friday in their first ever night game at Liverpool’s iconic home. And they will host their fierce rivals looking for a first ever victory at the ground.
The Reds did the double over the Red Devils last season but were thrashed 4-0 earlier in the campaign. While they are sixth in the table, United - who finished behind Liverpool last year - have transformed their fortunes to sit second behind Chelsea.
They are an intimidating prospect for Whiteley’s side, but it is one the dressing room can’t wait for. After all, under their interim boss, Liverpool are a team growing in confidence.
“Yeah, she's been great,” record signing Liv Smith, who scored the Reds’ first ever goal at Anfield earlier this season against Man City, said of Whiteley in an exclusive interview with the ECHO and the Athletic. “Honestly, I don't think her role changed too much as to what she has already been doing.
“She's an amazing coach and she knows what she's talking about. I've learned a lot from her personally. I go through my clips with her. So the shift, I don't think it was much of a major shift for me personally. So I think she's doing really well so far.”
Club legend Gemma Bonner, who won two league titles with the club under Beard, echoed Smith’s sentiments as she revealed Whiteley’s message in the dressing room after first taking charge of the team.
“We know Amber from being assistant,” she said in an exclusive interview with the ECHO and the Athletic. “I think her and all the staff deserve a lot of credit for how quick they've turned the team around.
“I think she's obviously changed a few things within the group, and everyone seems to have really bought into that. I think you could see that coming out in our performance against Palace.
“We're all behind here and we want to put on a good performance, firstly for ourselves, for the club, but also for the management.
“From what we've experienced so far, I think she's been super meticulous in terms of how she prepares the team. She's really calm, and I think she really wants the players to take ownership in terms of going out, making decisions and look, it's probably a new situation for her as well.
“I know she had the interim period before, but I think now it's a fresh start for everyone and we just have to make the most of the situation that we're in.
“There is still a lot to play for. But I think for her as a manager, it's trying to encourage us to go out and essentially be as best we can be.
“Her message to us was just go and be ourselves. We know the the quality that we have within the team and we know that we've shown it in patches, but it's about trying to find it consistently and trust in ourselves and having the belief that we can go and do that.
“She probably doesn't want to change too much too soon, but I think she's really settled the group. She’s so calm in how she approaches it, and she gives us every possible bit that she can to make sure we're prepared in the best way.”
Liverpool vs Manchester United is a mouth-watering fixture no matter what the occasion. And it is one the Reds are certainly looking forward to, with an Anfield night game only adding to the spectacle.
“Thanks for reminding me! I'm always super excited to play Anfield,” Bonner teased when reminded of Liverpool’s record at Anfield. “Obviously, we know how special it is to be out on the pitch.
“I think for us, nothing changes in terms of our process and how we approach the game. Obviously we're playing Man United. It's a big rivalry between the two clubs.
“We're all well aware that we haven't necessarily won at Anfield but we go out to win every single game. We know the importance of getting a good crowd behind us and putting on a good performance.
“When you play in this league, it's tough and you're playing against top teams. We've got to go in full of confidence.
“I love playing in the night games. I think the atmosphere is so good and have obviously been to a few night games on the men's side. You really kind of feel the atmosphere building up, and I think I'd love to get as many people as we can out to support us.
“I think being a fan myself, I know how much it means to come and support and I think for me playing on the pitch, it would mean the world to have so many people here out supporting us. Especially with it being a big weekend for the club as well.”
Smith is a Canada international and will have her family flying in to watch Friday night’s game against Manchester United. It goes without saying that she would love to score at Anfield again, while she’s keen to get one over on a couple of her international team-mates too.
“I’m super excited. I mean, I think I'm even more excited because my family will be here again,” she said. “It feels amazing. And even some extended family will be coming as well.
“So the more support I can get, the better. I really think they're my good luck charm, so definitely looking forward to it.
“They will be here for four days. So I'm going to make the most out of it. I think we'll have a couple days off as well. So I'm going to cherish that time with my family. I'm going to take them everywhere that Liverpool has to offer.
“My parents haven't stopped calling me since like two weeks ago. So they're super excited (that it’s against Manchester United). My dad's really excited as well and can't wait.
“I hope so, I mean, I'm going to do my best (to score), but again, it's a team contribution anyway. I contribute to a goal and assist, defensively, anything, that's going to be what's most important.
“I have team-mates on my national team that play there as well, so definitely know the qualities there. I’ll definitely going to be swapping some banter now. I'm going to be all up in their messages.
“The quality and training for us has been unreal in the past week, so I think it'll be a really good game to watch.
“It's massive and I really hope we have a lot of supporters there because it's going to be a really important game for us as well.”
Liverpool Women host Manchester United Women at Anfield on Friday 14 March. Kicking off at 7.15pm, tickets are available for £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £4 juniors.
